The Social Leper (1917)
A silent-era crime drama of betrayal, murder, and courtroom redemption, directed by Harley Knoles and released in 1917.
The Social Leper - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Social Leper
- Release Year: 1917
- Directed by: Harley Knoles
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Runtime: 50m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: No Language
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 19, 1917 (United States)
- Production Companies: Peerless Productions, World Film
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Social Leper - Plot
A clairvoyant warns divorcée Adrienne Van Couver to beware of Robert Warren, whom she has spurned. The warning comes true after Adrienne's ex-husband, John Dean, meets Warren, an old friend, and tells him the story of his marriage to Adrienne. He tells how her frivolity and malice caused both the death of their only child, and after their divorce John's romance with Lorraine Barkley who left him for lawyer Henry Armstrong. Enraged by Adrienne's treachery, Warren goes to her apartment and kills her. Dean arrives after Warren has fled and is arrested for the murder. Believing that Dean is innocent, Lorraine persuades Armstrong to defend him. After a last-minute confession by John is cleared.
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The Social Leper - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Harley Knoles
Main Cast
- Carlyle Blackwell
- June Elvidge
- Arthur Ashley
- Evelyn Greeley
- George MacQuarrie
- Muriel Ostriche
- Isabel Berwin
- Eugenie Woodward
- Edna Whistler
Writers
- Frances Marion
- Florence Bolles
The Social Leper - FAQs
What is The Social Leper about?
The Social Leper follows a web of betrayal and revenge set in motion when a clairvoyant warns divorcée Adrienne Van Couver about a dangerous man. After a murder occurs, an innocent man is arrested, and his former love persuades a lawyer to defend him in a tense courtroom drama.
When was The Social Leper released?
The Social Leper was released on March 19, 1917, in the United States. It was produced during the height of the silent film era, when World Film and Peerless Productions were among the leading studios shaping early American cinema.
Who are the main actors in The Social Leper?
The cast features Carlyle Blackwell as John Dean, June Elvidge as the scheming Adrienne Van Couver, Arthur Ashley as Robert Warren, and Evelyn Greeley as Lorrainne Barkely. George MacQuarrie rounds out the key roles as lawyer Henry Armstrong.
Is The Social Leper a lost silent film?
Yes, The Social Leper is considered a lost film. Like many silent-era productions, no known surviving print has been located. It is part of a vast collection of early cinema lost to nitrate decomposition, fires, and neglect during the early decades of the film industry.
Who directed The Social Leper?
The Social Leper was directed by Harley Knoles, a filmmaker active during the silent film era who worked extensively with World Film productions. The screenplay was written by Frances Marion and Florence Bolles, with cinematography handled by Arthur Edeson.
Who wrote the screenplay for The Social Leper?
The screenplay was written by Frances Marion and Florence Bolles. Frances Marion went on to become one of Hollywood's most celebrated screenwriters, winning two Academy Awards and writing scripts for some of the biggest stars of the silent and early sound eras.
What are movies similar to The Social Leper?
If you enjoy The Social Leper, you might also like Little Women (1918), Within Our Gates (1920), The Manxman (1929), The Stealers (1920), and A Woman's Business (1920). These silent-era dramas share similar themes of betrayal, social consequence, and moral reckoning.
How long is The Social Leper?
The Social Leper has a runtime of approximately 50 minutes, which was a fairly standard length for feature films of the mid-1910s. Silent films of this period often ran between 40 and 70 minutes, reflecting the production norms of early Hollywood.
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